Chargers to Focus Efforts for a New Stadium on Downtown

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers say they will focus on trying to get a new stadium built downtown as part of a non-contiguous expansion of the convention center.

The Chargers said in a statement Tuesday that they will partner with an existing citizens' coalition led by former City Councilwoman Donna Frye and JMI Realty, which is owned by former Padres owner John Moores.

The measure could be controversial, especially if any funding would require approval of two-thirds of the voters on the November ballot.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and County Commissioner Ron Roberts had preferred a new stadium be built at the site of aging Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley.

If a measure for a new stadium fails, the Chargers could join the Los Angeles Rams in a stadium in Inglewood scheduled to open in 2019.